Giants Co-owner John Mara Makes Startling Revelation About His Health

“I have recently been diagnosed with cancer and have been following the treatment plan recommended by an outstanding team of doctors,” Mara said in the statement, declining to specify what form of cancer he was diagnosed with. 

“I'm feeling strong and optimistic, and I'm committed to seeing this through to a positive outcome.”

This, unfortunately, isn’t the first time the Mara family has had to deal with cancer.

Mara’s father, Wellington, fought his own cancer battle after being diagnosed with lymphoma following the removal of cancerous lymph nodes in his neck in April of 2005. 

The elder Mara received treatment but sadly passed away in October 2005 at the age of 89 following his battle.  

Jack Mara, Wellington’s brother and John’s uncle, who at one point shared ownership of the team with Wellington, also passed away due to cancer on June 29, 1965.

And his son, Tim Mara, who for years co-owned the Giants with Wellington, his uncle, passed away due to complications from Hodgkin’s disease at the age of 59 in June 1995. 

John Mara, who succeeded his father as team president following Wellington’s death and who has been a long-time respected voice in league matters, has been a daily presence with the team, including road games.

Mara has entrusted the oversight of football operations to General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll, both of whom were hired in 2022 to succeed General Manager Dave Gettleman and Head Coach Joe Judge.

Under Schoen and Daboll, the Giants made their first playoff appearance since 2016 back in 2022, the first year of the new regime.

Since then, not only have the Giants struggled to remain relevant, but Mara has also witnessed fan favorites like running back Saquon Barkley and safety Julian Love depart in free agency, and quarterback Daniel Jones fail to reach his full potential with the team.

Mara also said in the team-issued statement that he plans to remain actively involved with the team while undergoing treatment.

“I'm fortunate to be surrounded by incredible support—personally, professionally, and medically,” Mara said. “I ask that you respect my privacy and my family's privacy at this time."